Manchester United enter battle with Guardiola for former Arsenal star
By Bence Bocsak
Manchester United look to have entered the fight for this midfielder.
On match-days, the ground is like a giant cauldron. Thousands flock to the stands. The riveting and boisterous atmosphere which they exude can send shivers down your spine. The derby between two city rivals in Manchester United vs Manchester City has been an intense game stretching on for generations and lifetimes.
It is a rivalry steeped in tradition, but perhaps the blue side of Manchester have never held such a dominion over the reds since the rivalry’s inception.
Pep Guardiola, fuelled by frivolous spending, has established the greatest side in Man City’s history and has made the noisy neighbours into not only worthy competitors but rather the dominant force in the city.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is desperate to end that trend. He has embarked on a mission to topple Guardiola from his hegemony.
Ismael Bennacer might not be a familiar name to most fans in England. Perhaps some avid Arsenal fans will remember the Algerian from his brief and unsuccessful spell at the Emirates. Nonetheless, Bennacer could become a key cog in Solskjaer’s ambition to finally ascend back to the pinnacle of the Premier League.
According to French outlets, ActuFoot and La Source Parisienne via TeamTalk Man United have entered the battle for Ismael Bennacer’s services. It is a battle which also involves Pep Guardiola’s Man City and Paris Saint Germain.
Since departing Arsenal Ismael Bennacer has gone onto play for Empoli in Serie A where he has been so impressive he has earned himself a move to AC Milan.
Bennacer has done well for a struggling AC Milan side this season. The Algerian is predominantly a holding-midfielder who can shield the defence and dictate the game with his astute technique and distribution. He is also blessed with a great burst of pace as well as his tremendous stamina.
He is still just 22 years of age, meaning he has plenty of time to improve even further.
His traits could be ideal for Man United, especially with Nemanja Matic having started to decline in in recent years. Ismael Bennacer could be the Serbian’s ideal replacement.
Of course, Solskjaer will have to fight off his the club’s arch rivals, but if the Norwegian beats Guardiola to the race it could be a huge statement of intent.
Would Ismael Bennacer be a good signing?